❌
☰
Reviewed on: April 05,2026
Send Inmate Mail

How often inmates get mail and address rules

how often do inmates get their mail? also, if i sent the mail to a department close to the detention center but not the exact detention center, will they still receive the mail?

How often inmates receive mail: Most facilities deliver mail Monday through Friday during daily mail call.
Ask The Inmate
Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer January 28,2014 · Send Inmate Mail
1

How often inmates receive mail:
Most facilities deliver mail Monday through Friday during daily mail call. The exact time varies, but it is commonly distributed in the late afternoon or early evening.

Keep in mind:

  • Mail must first be screened and inspected
  • Delivery can be delayed depending on staff workload or security procedures

About sending to the wrong location:
Mail needs to be addressed exactly to the correct facility and include the inmate’s ID number.

If you send it to:

  • A different department
  • A nearby office
  • Or the wrong facility

There is a good chance the letter will be:

  • Returned to sender, or
  • Delayed significantly

Facilities do not reliably forward inmate mail, especially for security reasons.

Best practice:

  • Always include the inmate’s full name and ID number
  • Use the exact mailing address for that facility
  • Double-check before sending

If a letter is returned, you can resend it once the correct information is confirmed.

Accepted Answer Date Created: January 28,2014
Was this helpful?
LOGIN

My situation is different — ask your own question.

Our advisors answer within 24 hours. Free, always. Former federal and state inmates with direct experience.

About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.
Comments
you have an edit but what about if I'm about to pay and I need to edit the address and add inmate number there's nothing .
LOGIN
Our policy is to ensure the mail gets there without having to pay more than once. Sometimes it's the User error, sometimes it's the inmate search error and others it is the facility mail room. Regardless, we will get it right at no further cost to you. If you would like to call or email before you send it we would be happy to help.
LOGIN